Vibrant.(Still) Unrepentant. Badass. Old. Queer

Robert saw the Snickers HUNGERECTOMY ad on a bus today. I am so jealous. Mars, Inc. deserves a PERVY MONKEY *slap* for that one! Meanwhile, I am working on a writing sample for a job application. The job is with NGO which deals with population issues. I went through all my old grad school papers and found two focusing on population. Now, I'm trying to decide which one to edit down to a 2-page or so writing sample, the one which attempts to reconcile Christian philosphy with population and ecological economics OR a critical analysis of over-population and the government's policy response in the People's Republic of China. Then, again, I wonder why I should even bother. It's not like I'll get the job. Maybe I'll scroll down, look at my pumpkin pictures, and opt for a career as a professional pumpkin carver. *heh*

Happy Halloween! GayProf asked yesterday for some pumpkin pics. Here are the two pumpkins I carved: Pumpkin 1: The pumpkin had this weird looking discoloration which I carved around, which explains the odd looking right eye. Pumpkin 2: I was tired of carving, which explains the simple, large shapes. In other news ... my exciting Meat-Free Monday meal was [drum roll, please] the leftover half of my lunchtime Chipotle Burrito. Yum. Last night, I watched movies and knitted. I will do the same tonight. I am *this close* to finishing my brother's Christmas present. YAY! The only problem with watching movies (especially movies I've already seen) and knitting is that my mind tends to wander. And as it rambles about, I come up with wonderful thoughts like the title of this entry [and by "we're," I mean "I'm"]. I thought about John last night. Even though he is a Cheating Cheater who Cheated Cheatfully, at least he was cuddly and warm [and didn't flinch...

Super-slo-mo season at work is right around the corner and I need entertainment. AND LOTS OF IT! So, here's your assignment -if you choose to accept it: 1. Take a look at your lists of blogs you read regularly. 2. Recommend one or two of those blogs for me to begin reading. -or- 3. All of you could start updating more often. And, by more often, I mean, like every hour or two. Otherwise, I'm going to be stuck entertaining myself ... And you all know what happens when you start doing that at work ... Things like this - Choose a new hairstyle for StickSteven

VUBOQ edits are in italics . 1. Safeway ... Crocs and Abercrombie shirt - m4m - 30 You were behind me in line in black crocs and an abercrombie shirt. I had on cords and a sweater. You are very handsome , but your choice of footwear indicates that you must be taken outside and shot . 2. Cute American Apparel employee - m4m - 24 you: cute, non-white dude (south american?) wearing a baby blue henley-type shirt; your hair is kinda long and has a cute little tail ( capybara ?) . me: white dude (european?) with a matted down fauxhawk - I ran out of product- wearing a white and burgundy track jacket and unable to use the shift key . i bought a few shirts and some undies at your store earlier today, around 4 maybe. i asked you if you had any of those puffy vests. you said to try the dc store. then you said they're selling out all over the place , i have no idea why, and that you had to drive to richmond just to get yours. :-) i find you adorable and really interesting... i would love ...

The Pumpkin Carving Party was a great success! About 15 people attended. Many pumpkins were carved. The party signature cocktail was delicious! The food was good. A terrific time was had by all. Or at least, me. And I'm the only one who really counts ;-) *heh* My friend, and former co-worker, Kristen, brought punch made from cranberry juice, apple juice, and sparkling apple cider. To that, we added green apple vodka and a splash of Hot Damn cinnamon schnapps. OMG. Fucking fantastic it was. The last party guest (Mike) left around 12:30. Jake arrived around 1. We went to bed soon after. Saturday morning, we blobbed around the house and carved the three leftover pumpkins. I do like pumpkin carving. That evening, we met Terry and Robert at Logan Tavern and then went for drinks at Halo. Sunday morning, we headed into DC to watch the marathon. It was that morning when I realized that I had left all my marathon information and post-marathon party directions at work. I th...

Yesterday, after work, I metro'ed over to Target in super scary suburbialand, Wheaton. The Halloween decoration selection was a tad disappointing. It seemed like they were already packing it up and putting Xmas stuff out (geh). In the end, I dropped about $60 buying supplies for the party (carving sets, plates, cups, napkins, paper towels, garbage bags for the pumpkin guts, etc. etc. etc.). I also bought Wallace and Gromit's Curse of the Were-Rabbit on DVD. It was on sale. $10. Which, if you think about it, is only 5 GBP. BARGAIN. At least, that's how I rationalized the purchase. I got back from Target around 7:30 and spent the rest of the night cleaning and organizing. Today, I have to buy beer and party food. Fun times. I was talking to my friend, Lori, about how much I was spending on this party and she seemed taken aback [$75 so far on booze, $50 on party supplies, probably about $40-50 on food, and maybe $25 on beer]. I explained that I have two big, meani...

A miracle has occurred in the Land of VUBOQ! Stigmata has appeared on my palm! Praise the Saints ! One of these is an actual photo of the VUBOQ stigmata: a) 2) Miracle-working to begin at 5PM. Let me know if there's anything I can ... um ... lay my hand on ;-) *slap!* Pervy Monkeys!!!

Am I the only one who was perturbed by Vicente Fox's likening the US's planned 700 mile, unfunded, unfounded, and totally useless "border fence" to the Berlin Wall? Mexican officials have criticized the fence. Outgoing Mexican President Vicente Fox, who has spent much of his six years in office lobbying for a new guest worker program and a chance at citizenship for the millions of Mexicans working illegally in the U.S., calls the fence "shameful" and compares it to the Berlin Wall. [ WaPo ] I vividly remember November 9, 1989, when the Wall came down and a divided city was reunited. Several months later (in April), I remember touching what remained of the Wall. It was cold and rough and pockmarked from the thousands of people who had taken their sledgehammers to it. Maybe the reason for it's construction -to stem the tide of illegal immigrants (people fleeing communist East Berlin into the "free" West)- is similar. And, the more I think about, ...

NJ Courts Rules for Gay Rights Same-Sex Marriage Ban: Funds from National Groups Go to Both Sides Ricky Martin: Madonna an Exemplary Mom Ah. It's election season and VUBOQ must apply his vicious, unrepentant, bitter, old queeniness to one of his least favorite topics, gayrriage. "Why is this one of your least favorite topics," you ask. Because it only serves to remind VUBOQ that being vicious, unrepentant, bitter, and old does not lend itself readily to becoming the better part of a couple. (And, neither does that restraining order, Ricky.) I think it all boils down to these three simple truths: 1. The Gays want equal treatment under the law. 2. Foaming-at-the-mouth evangelical Xtians want "traditional" marriage protected. 3. Most of the sheeple in the US can't think for themselves anyway and will vote/think/live the way the loudest person tells them. So, I suggest we all start screaming at people. Nicely. With no bitch slapping ... although I'm sure som...

I have returned from the likker store. I purchased 6 bottles of wine and 2 bottles of likker. I hate buying wine, because I can never remember which ones I like and which ones I don't. In the end, I wandered around and picked ones with interesting labels or names which sounded vaguely familiar ... Wine #1: Jabulani Merlot Cabernet (South Africa) Wine #2: Wyndam Shiraz (Australia) Wine #3: Yellow Tail Shiraz-Grenache (Australia) Wine #4: 3 Blind Moose Cabernet Sauvignon (California. Where else?) Wine #5: Black Opal Shiraz-Cabernet (Australia) Wine #6: Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington) And, in case you didn't know, 6 bottles of wine and 2 bottles of likker are very heavy.

So, I'm a little stressed right now. I've planned my 5th Annual BYOP Pumpkin Carving Party for this Friday. GAH! I've done nothing to prepare. I have s**tloads to do and I'm not sure when I'm going to be able to do it all. GAH! Today, I'll be buying a portion of the booze. Once I get home, I have to go down into my scary storage locker to see if I can find where I put all my Halloween decorations. They could be there or they could be somewhere scarier - at the Cheating Cheater who Cheated Cheatfully's house. If that's the case, I'll be buying new decorations. Then, I have to do a truckload of laundry. And clean clean clean clean clean clean clean. Thursday, after work, I must metro out to Target to buy party supplies. And, if there's time, stop by Whole Foods on the way home and start thinking about food items. I hope my friends don't think I'm a total loser, but I'm not actually "cooking" for the party. There will only be m...

Some of you may have noticed in my pictures that I have a small scar, sort of between my eyebrows. And, I'm sure you're too polite to ask how I got it ... Believe you me, if I knew, I would tell you. At my 35th birthday party, I had a bit too much to drink. I woke up the next morning, still a little drunk, on a friend's bathroom floor with a bleeding gash between my eyes. Not pleasant. Have no idea what happened. I stopped drinking for 6 months after that. Here's a picture from the party: I think it's kind of a cool picture. I don't know what was up with my camera. And, yes, I am wearing a baseball jersey from my favorite team, the Yakult Swallows. *heh* Pervy Monkey!

Simply because you haven't seen enought pictures of my pussy, here's Isabella in a Box : I'm a little tired this morning. Last night, I finished knitting a Christmas present for someone. I also decathaired the sofa and vaccuumed the living room. My plans for this evening include cleaning the bathroom and finishing my brother's scarf. Since yesterday was so boring, how about a few more pictures from my trip? Yes? OK. Here they are: This is me on the Greenwich Line: Kurt and I at the Fish n' Chips shack in Dunwich: Anne-Marie and Kurt enjoy "amusements" on the Southwold pier: Let's go to the map! In case you need to know where Hampstead Heath is on the train map: And, that is all. Well, all for today. Unless I am inspired to type something else up later. *many happy smooches of joy*

I decided not to take a picture of my cranky travel face this time ... but, be assured it probably looked like this , only with more jetlag and more crankiness. I got up on Sunday morning at 6:25AM. Anne-Marie drove me to London Bridge station where I caught the 7:15 train to Gatwick Airport. I found the US Air counter and waited on line for HOURS! Once I finally reached the desk, I learned that my 10:30AM flight had been delayed an hour. By the time I got through security, it had become 3 hours. As the plane touched down in Charlotte, NC, my 3:45PM flight to DC National must've been taking off. GAH! And, even more fun ... the queue at immigration was heinous! And even though the "all other passports" line was 3 time shorter than the one for 'MURCANS, the stupid security guy was only allowing 'MURCANS into about 4 or 5 immigration officers lines. The other 8 were for the FOREIGNERS. Very frustrating. I get through customs with no problems, and, when I go to the US...

*sigh* My vacation is over. I've had a few beers and I need to somehow shove everything I've purchased into my bag, along with all my dirty clothes and some clean ones and some, like the ones I'm wearing now, which smell of Turkish kabobs. Today, Anne-Marie and I went to Hampstead Heath in the north of London to see views of the city and, after the rain had passed, a stunning rainbow - a fitting end to my trip. Then, we took the train to Denise and Ian's. We were going to eat at a Vietnamese restaurant, but it was packed. We opted for the Turkish place next door. It was yummy... Ah... drunk and happy in the big city. That's how life should be. I'm up early tomorrow to catch my 10:30AM flight to Charlotte, where I transfer to a flight to DC National. I should be home by early evening (if all goes well ... please cross your fingers that it does). Back to work on Monday. bleah. *many happy smooches to you all*

It's 10AM and I haven't decided what I want to do today. I'm thinking of walking down the street to take a look at the Thames Barrier. Then, going to World Food Cafe, the restaurant I couldn't find last week, for a late-ish lunch. After that? Who knows ... I suppose it depends on the weather. AM and Kurt invited me out to a party tonight, but I'm not sure if I want to go. I'm feeling kinda blah. I blame the lurking dark clouds. I want to snuggle up in bed and knit all night. Meanwhile, here's a page transcribed from my handwritten journal. 18 October 2006. 10 PM ~ So. very. tired. Stupid Glasgow hills. *ha* Lessee ... I got to the Glasgow Film Theatre [a very cool art deco theatre near the School of Art] around 6PM and purchased my ticket. The movie [ Boy Culture ] was all right ... I didn't buy into a lot of it, but - it was a pleasant diversion. I like the Noah's Arc guy when he's not flaming it up like he does on Noah's Arc . The main pro...

, which is not an insult. I love Detroit, actually. And Glasgow was amazing! Me in front of the Kelvingrove. Me in the Necropolis. Glasgow School of Art Updated to note: I have uploaded 3 other pictures from Glasgow to Flickr .

I'm back from a weekend in Suffolk. Lots of time was spent by the shore. Lots of good food was eaten. I'll write up something in detail later, but now I have to get ready for my trip to Glasgow. I'm taking an early-ish train in the morning and returning on Thursday afternoon. Luckily for you, here are a few photos to tide you over: Steven and Anne-Marie at Dunwich shore The sun peaks through at the Warbarswick shore. The view from Framlingham Castle Inside Framlingham Castle

The knitting group was a bust. I arrived at around 6:30, entered the shop with a cheery "HELLO," and was ignored by all present. SO, I looked around the shop for a bit and left. BAH. If I want to be ignored while I knit, I'll do it at home. The rest of the day was brilliant though. Lots of fun times spent wandering about the Tate Britain . Love me some Blake and Turner . And paintings of macaques propped up on dried elephant dung .

This is a view from AM's kitchen window into her lovely garden [Except it isn't, because blogger is being difficult. gah!]. Yesterday evening, I helped assemble the garden furniture. I rock! *heh* The weather here has been stunningly beautiful recently. Yesterday, I went to Hyde Park to have a picnic. (see Flickr for two photos) I walked A LOT. I think even my blisters have blisters. I returned home around 5, AM, Kurt, and I ordered Indian take-away. Normally I don't like Indian food, but it is infinitely tastier here in London than in DC. I don't know why that is. We had sag aloo (spinach and potatoes), chana masala (chickpeas), veg curry, something with aubergines (that would be eggplant to you 'Murcans), nan, pilau rice ... mmmm ... AM drove me to the North Greenwich Tube station around 9. I tube'd over to Earl's Court where I met Sin. He took me to a gay pub there and we had a few drinks. He's a fun guy, with loads of interesting stories to tell. Ho...

What up with that, eh? I guess maybe I'll eventually figure out a way to transfer my thoughts from there to here. So... today, I went to find this cute little cafe where I ate several years ago. Couldn't find it. There's a funny story about that, which I will relate later. Then, I wandered down to the National Portrait Gallery and Trafalgar Square and then to this cute little gay cafe - First Out with a cute little boy behind the counter. Later, I wandered to Covent Garden and across the Thames to Waterloo Station, stopping to take a few photos along the way (see Flickr ). Stepping on a crowded sweaty train at rush hour was like stepping into a sauna. *gasp* Stinky. I got back to AM's house. We had tea. Kurt cooked Chinese, and soon I'm going to bed. *smooches from London*

and so i uploaded some photos from our trip to Whitstable by the sea ... we opted to go there, rather than Canterbury. I'm not sure why other than, I had visited Canterbury over a decade ago and had never seen the sea - at least, never seen the sea from the point of view of the Whitstable shore. Off the coast are these gigantic wind farms. I remember reading about the controversy. It seems that somewhere off the US Northeast coast, someone wanted to build something similar. Does the cost outweigh the benefits? Is carbon-free energy worth the environmental damage? Swings and roundabouts - what you gain on the swings, you lose on the roundabouts. Environmentalists, it seems, are never happy. But, that was on Sunday, and quoth Anne-Marie, "It's good to get out of London." To which I responded, "But I haven't hardly been in London." Today, after a bit of a lie in, I boarded the bus and took the Tube to Temple. Even after all my visits to London, I have neve...

Greetings. This is a test to see if I figured out how to post by email. I thought that might be easier than logging into my account since my access to the internet may be spotty while I'm here. The flight over was miserable - over a 2 hour delay in DC. Running through PHL to catch my "on time" flight to London (which wasn't). And then surviving turbulence. URGH. I took the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station. Then, bought an Oyster Card (like DC's SmarTrip), hopped on the Tube [in the wrong direction] and eventually made it to Anne-Marie's. I have a huge bruise on my knee. At some point I must have banged my suitcase. Ow. Everything is peaches and cream here. Have caught up a lot with friends. Went out for Turkish last night. Today, we are off to either Canterbury or Hastings for the day. I guess at some point on the road we'll have to make a decision. *smooches* Hm ... it doesn't seem to automatically publish. What's the point in that...

As some of you may know, I'M GOING TO LONDON! TODAY!!! WOOT! WOOT! My bag is packed. It weighs a ton. I'm really not quite sure what I'm taking because ... well ... I started randomly taking things out when I couldn't get the suitcase shut last night. I do believe I remembered the basics: underwear, socks, shirts, pants. I'm also taking fun gifts: Jiffy Cornbread Mix, Candy Corns, Peanut Butter M&Ms! I am good to my hosts. Yes I am. Oh, and my picture is in Metro Weekly this week. Halo Bar Shots (possibly under "Scene"), but I can't access the website because of the Evil Firewall of Doom. gah. I do have a copy of the magazine though. I'm famous. Worship me. Meanwhile, despair not! I shall return. And I've provided you with a list of handy activities to occupy your minds whilst I'm away. lots of *hugs* and *smooches*

I bought this watch on one of my trips to Las Vegas with the Cheating Cheater who Cheated. Cheatfully. I totally *heart* it. I feel like Wonder Woman when I wear it, and -sometimes- I pretend I am using it to deflect bullets. Yes. I am that goofy. The only problem with the watch is that in the summer, it is really hot and my arm gets all sweaty. Do you think Wonder Woman ever has that problem? I don't wear it much during the sweltering months of late May, June, July, August, and early September. I whipped it out the other day to put it on and *gah!* the battery had died. The horror! The horror! Fortunately, Diablo remembered that there is a watch/clock shop down the street from my office. I went there this morning and had a new battery put in - $7.35. Now, I will know what time it is when I'm in London (Did you know that I'm going to London? TOMORROW?). On the way, I stopped at the Bank of America to buy some traveler's cheques. However, after waiting in line for AGES,...

This morning, on my walk to work, I witnessed an incident that made me smile all the way to the office. I was waiting for the light to change at the intersection of Wayne Avenue and Sligo Creek Parkway. Two cars were in the left turn lane. The first driver, in a nondescript minivan, was waiting patiently for traffic to subside enough so he (or she) could turn. This was unacceptable to the driver of the little black car behind him (or her). *HONK* *HONK* The driver tooted his little horn. You could see him screaming inside his little head, "Claim the intersection, bitch! Claim it!" *HONK* *HONK* The minivan didn't move. The driver swerved out into the other lane and pulled in front of the minivan into the intersection. And, sat there, because lots of cars were still coming. That's when the heckling started. A cyclist in a bright yellow jersey began to yell at the little man in the little black car ... things like: "Angry Driver Man!" "Angry Driver!...

Because packing slightly intoximacated is always so much more interesting than packing sober, I'm going out to Halo with a few friends for Happy Hour tonight. YAY! Which means, I will probably be in for a big surprise when I open my suitcase in London (Did I mention that I'm going to LONDON?). 12 unmatched socks? No pants? 5 sweaters? Hmmm ... And, flying with a hangover? Divine. One of my co-workers is out today. Joy. Rapture. Doesn't he know that I have lots of running around to do and need my full two-hour breaks? Doesn't he care? I guess not. I think we're going to have a little talking to when he returns: "It's all about teamwork! There's no 'I' in TEAM!" I'm feeling slightly discombobulated.

As some of you may know, I'm going on vacation. Friday. For TWO WEEKS! to LONDON! (and Glasgow)! Unfortunately, there is some bad news . I'm not quite sure how to break it to you, but ... wait ... Are you ready? Maybe you should be sitting down. OK. Are you ready now? Take a couple of deep, calming breaths. Ready, now? Good. I probably will not be blogging while I'm away. *GASP* Yes. Yes. I know. It's a shock. Here. Have a martini. Fortunately, VUBOQ is concerned about you. Here is a [not all inclusive] list of ways not to miss VUBOQ too terribly much: 1. Re-read the VUBOQ archives. Experience VUBOQ LURVE from the beginning. 2. In fact, break it up. Read a month a day until VUBOQ gets back. 3. Repeat. 4. Make this photo your computer's wallpaper. 5. Write long poems about how much you love and miss VUBOQ. 6. Post those poems in VUBOQ's comments section. 7. Think about what you want to buy VUBOQ for Christmas [there are only 82 shopping days left]. 8. Buy VUBOQ...

I've been published!!!! from today's WaPo : Dear Miss Manners: We are taking a vacation to England this fall, and I have a tiara I wore with my prom dress. What places can I wear it out in England? I know they use them a lot there. No, not a lot. Not nearly as often as Miss America wears hers, for example. Elderly British duchesses have been known to get fed up waiting for an opportunity to wear theirs, despairing that when their saucy daughters-in-law inherit them, they will pluck out the gemstones to use for heaven knows what. Probably bellybutton decorations. This is because tiaras are worn only for full-dress occasions, which nowadays pretty much means only grand state banquets or ceremonies, and the occasional full-scale royal wedding. Perhaps Miss Manners had better explain that full dress means something more than prom wear and the full-scale wedding means something more than a royal second wedding you may have seen on television. In any case, the days of private balls a...

Groceries from Whole Foods: $14.83 Ride-On Bus Home: $1.25 Uncomfortable Dinner with Pseudo-Ex: Priceless I marinated grape tomatoes and cucumber in a homemade balsamic vinegrette, which used basil from the front yard and parmesan cheese. I tossed them with a bag o' salad. I made a pasta sauce with diced tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, onion, garlic, grape tomatoes, mushrooms, and Boca crumbles. Mike arrived as I was mixing in the twistypastabits. Dinner was served. There wasn't much conversation. He talked about a movie he saw the previous night. I rambled on about my trip. Our words skidded across the surface like water striders. Meal finished, I showed him where all the cat supplies were located. We sat back down at the table. "So, how are you feeling about things with us," He asked. "I'm adjusting," I said. "Do you want to throw daggers at me? Are you mad at me?" "I told you the last time that I wasn't mad. There's no reason to b...

There are times when my brain is swirling with so much activity that I have a difficult time picking out the right thoughts and focusing. I have so much left to do before my trip ... I have someone who didn't feel "magic" when we kissed coming over for dinner tonight ... I have to go to the store ... I have to go to the bank ... I have to figure out what to pack, what to wear, what to take, what to do, who to do ... I have conflicted feelings about all sorts of crap ... In an attempt to bring order to the chaos, sometimes, I randomly select a memory and focus on it. It's funny how, even though the memory is usually unpleasant, or uncomfortable, or awkward, it helps. Somehow ... My family moved to Rural Hall, NC, the summer before I started 7th grade. Most of the friends I made that summer attended a different school. I was shy and gangly and physically immature. I had a hard time making friends. Seventh graders were required to take Life Sciences. My teacher was Mrs....

alternate title: Meat-Free Monday: Vomit on Toast Edition I snapped this photo this morning on my walk to work. Probably by the time I get back from London (Did you know I am going to London?!), all the leaves will have fallen from this tree. *sigh* It's one of my favorites. I think it's a maple of some sort. Yesterday, I was fairly productive trip-wise. I put my mail on hold. I emailed a few people I would like to meet while I'm there. I booked a hotel in Glasgow. It's a very cute, well-located place, called the Brunswick . I also found a ... wait for it ... cute little YARN SHOP in Glasgow!!! Woo hoo!!! Gen-u-wine Scottish wool!!! FUN! GAH! YARN! WOOL! WOOT! *taking deep breaths* Lessee, today I have a few errands to run during work: grocery store, transit office, bank ... Mike is coming over for dinner tonight and to pick up my spare keys. Maybe Isabella won't be too lonely in his care. And, last night, was Meat-Free Monday. I hope everyone enjoyed a meat-free m...

OK, people. I have only received 3 comments [one on blogger, 2 on flickr] about how fantabulous my new hair color is. What is wrong with you people? Where are all the compliments? Where? Wait? Maybe you're just being polite? Maybe you don't like my new hair color? Is that even possible? My feelings. So hurt. *sniff* Here's the picture again: On your mark. Get set. COMMENT!!! [I'm insecure. I need your comment-love.]

OMG. I spent so much money this weekend, and I remember waking up on Sunday morning, thinking "Whew. Next weekend, I'm going to seriously need to sleep in and relax." Then, I realized, "Next weekend, I'll be in LONDON!" [because, as some of you may or may not know, I'm going to LONDON. For two weeks!] So, lessee ... Friday evening, Jake came down from NYC. Terry met him in DC and they came out to Silver Spring. We ate dinner at a yummy little Thai restaurant in downtown. Then, we metroed into the District for drinks at Halo [Halo seems like a predominant theme in my weekend activities]. It was packed. Lots of fun. Lots of eye candy. Yay. We left Halo around 11:30 or so (maybe a little earlier?), came home, and went to bed. Saturday, we got up kind of early (like, 8:30?). I made breakfast. Jake left around 10 to meet Terry. I left about an hour later to get my hair cut and colored. Some of you may have already checked out my picture on Flick...